4 options for VIP cinema experiences in the UAE

Novo’s 7 stars theater. Courtesy Novo

A look at which cinemas in the UAE offer a top notch VIP experience for cinemagoers.

Vox

Theatre by Rhodes; Gold

Vox teamed up with British celebrity chef Gary Rhodes in 2015, and now offers the “five-star” film-dining service in three cinemas: Mall of the Emirates in Dubai, and Nation Towers and Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi. It has an exclusive lounge where guests can enjoy nibbles and select their meal before the film. In the auditorium, there are reclining seats — about 30 at each venue — with blankets and pillows, a waiter-call button, and a menu that transcends the usual popcorn and nachos to include lobster and foie gras. Prices start at Dh160 for the ticket price, rising to Dh295 inclusive of a three-course meal and drinks. An à la carte menu is also available. If your tastes are not quite so exclusive, Vox also offers its Gold service — with slightly larger auditoriums (about 40 reclining seats), another gourmet menu and waiter service — for Dh90 plus the cost of the food.

Novo

7-star

Novo recently teamed up with Qatar Airways as the new sponsor of its 7-star experience, but the cinema seems to be aiming more for the cinema equivalent of a “turn left when boarding” experience than peanuts and a glass of fruit juice. The Dh150 ticket includes valet parking, luxury lounges, a special gourmet food menu and fully reclining leather seats. Each seat has an iPad, providing access to a full personalised service catering to the every need of the discerning film buff at any time during the movie. The service is available at Novo’s Ibn Battuta and Festival City locations in Dubai, and at World Trade Centre Mall in the capital.

Reel

Platinum Suites

Reel’s premium service at The Dubai Mall include a private lounge fitted with marble service counters, designer furniture and ambient lighting for a relaxed drink or bite to eat from the gourmet menu before your movie. Once in the cinema, you have a leather reclining chair with a side table and button to call the butler service throughout the movie. Tickets start at Dh130 for 2-D movies.

Cine Royal

Royal Movie Suites

Cine Royal says its top-of-the-range service boasts state-of-the-art projection equipment, Dolby 7.1 sound technology, first rate acoustics and crystal-clear digital projection. The Royal Suites offer comfortable leather, reclining chairs with side tables and butlers who will deliver your snacks. The suites also have their own, exclusive entrance, ticket counter, lobby and concession stand. They are available at all Cine Royal locations, with a 4-D screen coming soon to Deerfields Mall. Tickets start at Dh140.